Lower Elementary
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Open House Wish List
At Open House I always send home a colorful, fun wish list that I encourage families to hang on the fridge. Get enough sleep every night! Remember to bring a ... Read this tip
Stuffed Animals as Reading Buddies
This summer I went to a yard sale and found a whole bunch of in tact, cute stuffed animals. I washed them on hot and brought those that survived the ... Read this tip
Reading Pointers
To help my kindergartners become more confident readers, I have pointers available for them to use during self-selected reading time. I use Popsicle sticks with fun pom-poms or rubber animal ... Read this tip
Class Mascot and Motto
Have your children decide on a mascot and motto for your classroom. Make sure your mascot and motto are compatible. Students can brainstorm and vote on ideas. An example would ... Read this tip
Where Are You? Chart
To always know where my students are, I have a Where Are You? Chart located by the door of my classroom. On the chart I have places within the school ... Read this tip
Back to School Flower Bulletin Board Idea
At the end of the school year when you are looking for things to do with your students during their free time, let them create a bulletin board for you ... Read this tip
Vacation Spot Instead of Time Out
I have a place designated as the Vacation spot in my classroom. When students are having a difficult time behaviorally, emotionally, or socially, they go on vacation for a few ... Read this tip
How to Keep Kids in a Straight Line
To help my students, especially the little ones, keep a straight line when walking on the hallway, I say “Single File with a smile!” Kids love this, it’s catchy, and ... Read this tip
Sign Language
Use sign language in the classroom. When you are just beginning to introduce a new sign, always make sure to say it and sign it together with the group. Once ... Read this tip
Clean Up Time
Just before I announce that it is time to clean up, I take a quick look around the classroom and select one item that will need to be picked up ... Read this tip